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Throughout history, gold has been a symbol of wealth, power, and prosperity. Its allure has led to countless stories of daring heists and audacious thefts. The four events that are introduced on this page are arguably the most famous historic gold bullion heists that captured the world’s imagination. These daring escapades have left an indelible mark on both criminal folklore and the precious metal industry.

The Great Train Robbery Gold Bullion Heist (1963)

One of the most iconic heists in history took place on August 8, 1963, in the British countryside. A gang of 15 thieves stopped the Royal Mail train en route from Glasgow to London, making off with £2.6 million in banknotes and, most notably, 120 bars of gold bullion. The audacity and precision of the heist captivated the public, but only a fraction of the stolen loot was ever recovered. The mastermind behind the operation, Bruce Reynolds, and his accomplices became legends, leaving a lasting imprint on the criminal history books.

The Manhattan Armored Car Heist (1976)

In the heart of New York City, the Lufthansa Building was the scene of one of the most lucrative heists in American history. On December 11, 1978, a gang orchestrated by James Burke, famously known as “Jimmy the Gent,” stole approximately $5 million in cash and nearly $875,000 in jewelry. Among the stolen items were also gold and silver bars. The meticulous planning and execution of the heist were later immortalized in the film “Goodfellas,” solidifying its place in criminal lore.

The Banco Central Gold Bullion Heist (2005)

Brazil witnessed one of the most audacious heists in modern times when a gang of thieves tunneled their way into the Banco Central’s vault in Fortaleza in August 2005. The thieves spent three months digging a 78-meter tunnel from a rented house to beneath the bank, ultimately stealing approximately $70 million in cash and valuables. The loot included not only banknotes but also gold bars. Despite the sophisticated planning, the authorities eventually apprehended some of the culprits, but a significant portion of the stolen wealth remains missing.

The Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company Heist (2015)

Over the Easter weekend in 2015, a group of elderly thieves, known as the “Bad Grandpas,” executed a meticulous plan to break into the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company in London. Using drills and other tools, they disabled the security systems and gained access to the vault, making away with an estimated £14 million in cash, jewelry, and gold. The audacity of the heist, coupled with the age of the perpetrators, added a layer of intrigue to the story. Eventually, the authorities apprehended the culprits, and the stolen items were largely recovered.

the four historic gold bullion heists mentioned on this page have inspired movies

The lure of gold has inspired criminals throughout history to embark on daring heists that captured the imagination of the public. The Great Train Robbery, the Manhattan Armored Car Heist, the Banco Central Heist, and the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company Heist are just a few examples of audacious crimes that involved the theft of precious gold bullion. These tales not only showcase the criminal ingenuity but also serve as cautionary reminders of the lengths some will go to in pursuit of wealth and notoriety. The legacy of these historic gold bullion heists endures, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of crime, wealth, and the allure of gold.